Beatrice Lang
Kansas City, Missouri, has had a long history of electricity provision, with the first electric company being established in 1882 as the Kawsmouth Electric Light Company. Today, Evergy, Inc. is the largest electric company in Kansas, serving over 1.7 million customers in the state and in Missouri. It was formed from a merger between Westar Energy and Great Plains Energy, the parent company of Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L). KCP&L is an electric utility company based in Kansas City, Missouri, serving 850,000 customers in an area of 18,000 square miles across Missouri and Kansas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the company | Evergy, Inc. |
| Former name | Kansas City Power & Light Company (KCPL) |
| Year of establishment | 1882 |
| Service area | 28,130 square miles (72,900 sq km) in east Kansas and west Missouri |
| Number of customers | 1.7 million |
| Number of power plants | 40+ |
| Generating capacity | 16,000 megawatts |
| Transmission lines | 10,100 miles (16,300 km) |
| Distribution lines | 52,000 miles (84,000 km) |
| Parent company | Great Plains Energy |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Kansas City Power & Light Company (KCPL)
KCPL was founded when Edwin Ruthven Weeks witnessed an electric arc light demonstration at a Philadelphia exposition in 1876. Weeks, who was so impressed by the technology, persuaded three men—Joseph S. Chick, L. R. Moore, and Judge William Holmes—to consider investing in it. In 1881, the men purchased an exclusive contract for $4,000 to provide power to two counties, and in 1882 they incorporated the Kawsmouth Electric Light Company. Kawsmouth Electric Light Company brought electric illumination to the first 13 customers on the west side of Main Street in the downtown district on May 13, 1882.
In June 1919, the company reincorporated as the Kansas City Power and Light Company. After acquiring the Carroll County Electric Company in 1922, the company underwent its final name change, becoming the Kansas City Power & Light Company and adopting the ampersand in its name. Armour sold his interest in the company in 1923, and in 1924, the Continental Gas & Electric Corporation purchased a controlling interest. The company was part of the United Light and Power holding company system until 1950, during which time it prospered and expanded its service territory and generating capacity.
KCPL has a reputation as one of the most reliable energy suppliers in the Midwest. The company prioritises safety and has implemented advanced communication systems and safety technologies to support its staff and quickly restore power during emergencies. KCPL was one of two operating companies of Evergy, the largest electric company in Kansas, serving more than 1.7 million customers. However, in 2019, the KCP&L brand was retired, and the company adopted the Evergy brand across its entire service territory.
Electric Company Services Available in Rockmart, GA: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Report on the fair value of the property of the Kansas City electric light company and subsidiary companies, as of February 1, 1914. 1914 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61IX47b4r9L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Evergy, Inc
KCP&L is an electric utility company based in Kansas City, Missouri, serving 850,000 customers across an area of 18,000 square miles in Missouri and Kansas. KCP&L supports 3,600 miles of high-voltage transmission lines and 22,300 miles of distribution lines in both metropolitan and rural areas. The company is known for its reliable energy supply in the Midwest.
Evergy is the largest electric company in Kansas, serving over 1.7 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Kansas and Missouri. The company owns more than 40 power plants, with a generating capacity of 16,000 megawatts of electricity across its service territory. This territory spans 28,130 square miles in east Kansas and west Missouri, including major metropolitan areas such as Kansas City. Evergy owns and operates a vast network of transmission and distribution lines, totalling over 10,100 miles and 52,000 miles, respectively.
The history of Evergy's predecessor companies dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Kansas City Power and Light Company, which later became KCP&L, was established in 1881 when Joseph S. Chick obtained the rights to use the Thompson-Houston arc lighting system in two counties. In 1882, the Kawsmouth Electric Light Company brought electric illumination to the first 13 customers in the downtown district. Over the years, the company underwent several reincorporations, acquisitions, and name changes, eventually becoming Kansas City Power & Light Company in 1922 after acquiring the Carroll County Electric Company.
In 1992, Kansas Gas and Electric (KG&E) of Wichita and Kansas Power and Light (KPL) of Topeka merged to form Western Resources, creating one of the largest utilities in the Midwest. In 2016, Great Plains Energy and Westar initially proposed a merger, but it was rejected by the Kansas Corporation Commission. However, a new merger plan was announced in 2017, and in 2018, the merger was approved, resulting in the formation of Evergy. KCP&L and Westar became operating companies under the Evergy brand, which was fully adopted in 2019.
Electric Companies in Sun City Roseville, CA: Who Services This Area?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
KCP&L's safety technologies
Kansas City Power and Light (KCP&L) is an electric utility company based in Kansas City, Missouri. KCP&L prioritises safety and has invested in a range of safety technologies to protect its staff and customers.
One of the key safety technologies implemented by KCP&L is an advanced radio communication system provided by Tait Communications. This system replaced three separate radio networks that lacked interoperability and often suffered from coverage gaps, leading to dangerous communication issues during emergencies. The new system is based on DMR Tier 3 technology, which offers reliable and dependable communication across KCP&L's entire service area.
The Tait radio network includes features specifically designed to enhance worker safety. For example, the radios are equipped with "Man Down" and "Lone Worker" functions, which can automatically notify the dispatch centre and provide the worker's GPS location in case of an emergency. This enables a swift response from emergency services, even if the worker is unable to communicate verbally.
KCP&L has also invested in a state-of-the-art Safety and Training Centre in Kansas City. The centre, which opened in late 2015, was designed with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. It serves as a world-class education facility for KCP&L's lineman and apprentices, providing a space for them to train and improve their skills in a safe and modern environment.
In addition to these safety measures, KCP&L has also partnered with various industry-leading companies to enhance its safety capabilities. For example, KCP&L has integrated Zetron's Acom EVO consoles into its dispatch centre and adopted X10DR's secure wireless microphones to extend communication ranges. These technologies ensure that KCP&L staff are well-equipped to handle any situation and can maintain reliable operations, even during emergencies or adverse weather conditions.
Electric Company Options for Marion, Indiana Residents
You may want to see also
Explore related products
KCPL's history
Kansas City Power and Light (KCP&L) is an electric utility company based in Kansas City, Missouri. It serves 850,000 customers across an area of 18,000 square miles in Missouri and Kansas and supports 3,600 miles of high-voltage transmission lines and 22,300 miles of distribution lines in both metropolitan and rural areas. KCP&L has a reputation as one of the most reliable energy suppliers in the Midwest.
KCP&L was acquired by Evergy in 2018, which was the result of a merger between Westar Energy and KCP&L. The company has invested in new technology to improve safety and reliability. For example, staff working on power lines are supported by a great system of safety technologies, and in emergency situations, workers can easily communicate their distress with the push of a button. If they are unable to communicate, then a 'Man Down' or 'Lone Worker' system can automatically notify dispatch, and GPS location services can alert them to the worker's exact location.
KCP&L also utilizes Tait Communications' DMR Tier 3 radio system, which allows for fast and reliable communication between crews based in different regions during storm situations. This system solved the problem of having several separate radio networks, which previously forced crews from different regions to work with a lack of interoperability between radio networks.
The company has a strong focus on safety and reliability, with representatives stating that their job is to "keep the lights on". KCP&L has also expressed a commitment to sustainability and providing energy solutions and choices that fit customers' lifestyles.
Electric Company Options for Azle Residents: Who Powers Your Home?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Evergy's sustainability efforts
Kansas City Power and Light (KCP&L) is the electric utility company based in Kansas City, Missouri. It is known for being one of the most reliable energy suppliers in the Midwest.
Evergy, a subsidiary of KCP&L, has been at the forefront of sustainability efforts, aiming to reduce emissions, increase renewables, and enhance energy efficiency. The company has been transitioning to diversify its electricity generation to achieve a balanced and sustainable energy portfolio. Here are some key aspects of Evergy's sustainability initiatives:
Diversifying Electricity Generation:
Evergy has been working towards diversifying its energy sources to include more renewable options. This includes integrating more wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources into their generation mix. By doing so, they aim to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and decrease carbon emissions.
Reducing Carbon Emissions:
The company has set a target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. To reach this goal, they are gradually transitioning away from traditional fossil fuel-based generation and investing in cleaner energy sources. Their Integrated Resource Plan outlines a strategy to deliver cleaner energy through balanced progress, with a target of 70% carbon reduction by 2030.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency:
Evergy is committed to providing energy efficiency options for its customers. This includes offering programs and incentives to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices. By doing so, they help customers reduce their energy consumption and lower their environmental impact.
Transparency and Reporting:
Evergy prioritizes transparency in its sustainability efforts. They have been leaders in interacting with stakeholders to determine the best frameworks for reporting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) matters. The company publishes an annual Corporate Sustainability Report, detailing its progress and performance on various sustainability metrics. Additionally, they provide quantitative and qualitative data on their website, allowing stakeholders to track their sustainability journey.
Collaboration and Industry Engagement:
Evergy was one of the initial members of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) groups. Through these collaborations, they work towards uniform and consistent reporting of ESG data, benefiting stakeholders interested in the industry's sustainability progress. They also engage with third-party ESG ratings firms to ensure independent evaluation of their sustainability performance.
Safety and Technology:
Evergy, through its partnership with Tait Communications, has implemented advanced safety technologies for its workers. This includes improved communication systems, GPS location services, and distress buttons, ensuring the safety of staff working on power lines and enhancing overall system safety.
Electric Companies Offering Senior Discounts: Who and How to Save
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Kansas City Power and Light (KCP&L) is an electric utility company based in Kansas City, Missouri. North Kansas City Electric is another electric company in Kansas City, Missouri.
KCP&L services 850,000 customers in an area of 18,000 square miles throughout Missouri and Kansas.
KCP&L has a reputation as one of the most reliable energy suppliers in the Midwest.
